The study circle as a tool in multiple sclerosis patient education in Sweden

The impact of therapeutic education programs on the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: Protocol of a systematic review

The quality of life (QOL) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to be poor compared to the general population. Its management is complex thus requiring openness to non-pharmacological approaches such as therapeutic education (TPE). However, there is an abundance of educational programs with several components and varying degrees of effectiveness. This protocol is developed with the objective to determine the impact of TPE programs on the QOL of MS patients. We will undergo research in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify all eligible articles published between January 1st, 2007, and February 2022 evaluating the QOL. We will include any quantitative study design: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials, non-randomized uncontrolled trials, and observational studies. The quality of these studies will be assessed by recommended tools. Two investigators will independently perform the data extractions and any disagreements will be resolved by other reviewers. A narrative synthesis will report results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist guidelines to draw conclusions based on the totality of the evidence. These results will be summarized by characteristics of studies and programs and by effects on the QOL. This systematic review will provide practice guidance and evidence to effectively target the features and components of TPE programs, to effectively meet the specific needs of MS patients and thereby improve their QOL, and on the other hand to facilitate the appropriation of these programs by clinicians and researchers to optimize the management of MS. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022338651.

Study circles in hospitals' obstetrics centers as a teaching-learning strategy in midwifery education

We describe the experience of study circles on the theme 'good obstetrics practices backed by scientific evidence' and argue that they prepared midwifery students to dialogue with hospital staff and empowered them in the process of negotiating the implementation of practices put forward by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). We conclude that study circles are an efficient strategy of preparing midwifery students to be active participants in the maternity care team and lead discussions of evidenced-based practice.

[Nursing consultation for sexual problems in multiple sclerosis]

Patients with multiple sclerosis often complain of sexual problems. Nurses in a neurology department have decided to explore the sexual health of these patients. They also intend to assess the need for a neurosexuality nurse consultation.

Action-oriented study circles facilitate efforts in nursing homes to "go from feeding to serving": conceptual perspectives on knowledge translation and workplace learning

Background. Action-oriented study circles (AOSC) have been found to improve nutrition in 24 nursing homes in Sweden. Little, however, is known about the conceptual use of knowledge (changes in staffs' knowledge and behaviours). Methods. Qualitative and quantitative methods, structured questionnaires for evaluating participants' (working in nursing homes) experiences from study circles (n = 592, 71 AOSC) and for comparisons between AOSC participants (n = 74) and nonparticipants (n = 115). Finally, a focus group interview was conducted with AOSC participants (in total n = 12). Statistical, conventional, and directed content analyses were used. Results. Participants experienced a statistically significant increase in their knowledge about eating and nutrition, when retrospectively comparing before participating and after, as well as in comparison to non-participants, and they felt that the management was engaged in and took care of ideas regarding food and mealtimes to a significantly greater extent than non-participants. The use of AOSC was successful judging from how staff members had changed their attitudes and behaviours toward feeding residents. Conclusions. AOSC facilitates professional development, better system performance, and, as shown in previous studies, better patient outcome. Based on a collaborative learning perspective, AOSC manages to integrate evidence, context, and facilitation in the efforts to achieve knowledge translation in a learning organisation. This study has implications also for other care settings implementing AOSC.

Living with epilepsy accompanied by cognitive difficulties: young adults' experiences

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy can sometimes be followed by memory impairment. This can result from the underlying cause of epilepsy or from recurrent seizures, or can be a side effect of antiepileptic drugs or a symptom of another disease such as depression. The aim of the study described here was to explore the experience of living with epilepsy and subjective cognitive decline.

METHOD

To better understand the deeper meaning of the phenomenon, a qualitative design was chosen. Fourteen adults aged 18-35 took part in focus group interviews. The participants were divided into four groups, two groups of women and two groups of men, and the interviews were conducted according to a semistructured protocol. Transcripts were analyzed in accordance with the content analysis guidelines.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged: "affecting the whole person," "influencing daily life," "affecting relationships," and "meeting ignorance in society."

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive decline has a heavy impact on young adults with intractable epilepsy. In contrast to seizures, the cognitive decline is persistent. The themes reflected different hardships faced by the participants. The consequences of living with epilepsy and cognitive impairment concerned education, employment, social life, self-esteem, and hope for the future. The participants were already using strategies to cope with their cognitive decline, but may benefit from help in developing new strategies to better adjust to their memory problems. Development of more educational programs for both people with epilepsy and their relatives could improve their difficult situations. With help, people can learn to adjust their goals in life and live a fulfilling life despite the disease.

Self care programs and multiple sclerosis: physical therapeutics treatment - literature review

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the therapeutic education program impact with multiple sclerosis patients, literature review. Highlight contents and efficacy.

METHOD

A non-systematic review on Medline, PubMed and Cochrane library databases from 1966 to 2010 using the following keywords: "multiple sclerosis", "self-care", "self-management" and specific symptoms keywords. Clinical trials and randomized clinical trials, as well as literature reviews published in English, French and German will be analyzed.

RESULTS

Counseling is a part of the non-pharmacological management of chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. Symptoms' diversity and the different clinical forms limit standardized programs of self-care management, applicable to patients. In the literature review, counseling programs have often low metrology. A behavior change with patients and medical staff could exist. To empower the patient, to reduce symptoms' impact and to improve treatment access are the aims of educational therapy.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic education program for multiple sclerosis patients could progress with their standardization and assessment, for each sign. To promote the educational therapy of multiple sclerosis patients, a specific training for medical staff, as specific financing are necessary.

Study circles improve the precision in nutritional care in special accommodations

BACKGROUND: Disease-related malnutrition is a major health problem in the elderly population, but it has until recently received very little attention, especially are management issues under-explored. By identifying residents at the risk of undernutrition (UN), appropriate nutritional care can be provided. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if study circles and policy documents improve the precision in nutritional care and decrease the prevalence of low or high body mass index (BMI). DESIGN: Pre and post-intervention study. SETTING: Special accommodations (nursing homes) within six municipalities were involved. PARTICIPANTS: In 2005, 1,726 (90.4%) of 1,910 residents agreed to participate and in 2007, 1,526 (81.8%) of 1,866 residents participated. INTERVENTION: Study circles in one municipality, having a policy document in one municipality and no intervention in four municipalities. MEASUREMENTS: RISK OF UN WAS DEFINED AS INVOLVING ANY OF: involuntary weight loss; low BMI; and/or eating difficulties. Overweight was defined as high BMI. RESULTS: In 2005 and 2007, 64% and 66% of residents, respectively, were at the risk of UN. In 2007, significantly more patients in the study circle municipality were accurately provided protein and energy enriched food (PE-food) compared to the no intervention municipalities. There was a decrease between 2005 and 2007 in the prevalence of low BMI in the study circle municipality, but the prevalence of overweight increased in the policy document municipality. CONCLUSIONS: Study circles improve the provision of PE-food for residents at the risk of UN and can possibly decrease the prevalence of low BMI. It is likely that a combination of study circles and implementation of a policy document focusing on screening and on actions to take if the resident is at UN risk can give even better results.